Offense's Missed Opportunites

Casey Garrow

10/29/2013

Joe Rudolph said it best after Saturday's 24-21 loss to Navy, "It comes down to making plays in the moment, and Navy made one more play than us." With a new sense of urgency the key for the Panthers offense is to make the most of their limited opportunities.

The offense failed to make enough plays in their loss to Navy on Saturday. Joe Rudolph pointed out it's not about only making the big plays in a game, but even connecting on a route in third-and-four situations. Pitt converted 7-of-14 third-down conversions against the Midshipmen.

The Panthers offense controlled the game clock in the first half with a time of possession of 22:18, but in the second half Navy fought back and opportunities dwindled for Pitt. Tom Savage and the offense only held the ball for 11:48.

"You wouldn't mind having the ball less if you scored more," Rudolph laughed. "You're hoping to make those plays and Navy forced us into some long drives. On the first scoring drive we only came out with three when we were hoping to get seven. I would love to say that ball control is key and to keep the defense off the field is our objective, but really we're working to score and be as explosive as we can be on offense."

Rudolph breaks down the loss to Navy, and points out how important it is for Savage and this offense to take advantage of every down.

Savage's numbers are not too spectacular on paper compared to previous games. Against Navy, Savage completed 20-27 passing for 203-yards and two touchdowns. In the win against Old Dominion, Savage struggled even more, only completing 11-of-18 passing for 104 yards and one touchdown.

Brooks Bollinger is frustrated by the numbers, but is also aware that football is a team sport and it's more than just the passing game that needs work.

"Whenever you don't win you're disappointed," said Bollinger. "But Savage continues to work and continues to develop each week. It just doesn't always carry over onto the field."

Bollinger is confident in this offense and advises with hard work, the numbers will start to show up again on Saturdays.